PCRG Strategic Direction and Policy Priorities

PCRG’s 2023-2024 policy agenda reflects and advances our new strategic plan to build community capacity and further realize racial and economic equity within the region.   

Advancing Equity through Local Policy    

Most policies responsible for the systemic barriers that impact vulnerable communities are found at the local level. PCRG continues to pursue local policy solutions for affordability issues that are causing the displacement of longtime residents across the Southwestern PA region. These include protecting longtime homeowners in gentrifying neighborhoods, home purchase and rehabilitation programs, supporting community land trusts, and pushing for more inclusive zoning policies. To this end, PCRG continues to advance programs and legislation benefiting residents of the City of Pittsburgh, Allegheny County, and beyond. 

Advancing Equity through State Policy   

Today, with a new governor and slim Democratic majority in the Pennsylvania House of Representatives, there is an opportunity to advocate for and pass bipartisan legislation this session. We have already seen successes from our longtime advocacy efforts like the amendment of the Municipal Claims Tax Lien Law (MCTLL) that allows land banks in Allegheny County to take advantage of Sheriff’s Sales and the expansion of the Affordable Housing Trust Fund during the 2023 legislative session. These successes can be attributed in large part to PCRG’s participation and advocacy in the statewide blight task force in Harrisburg, but there is more work to be done to eliminate blight, create homeownership opportunities and leverage investments in neighborhoods by working with our state partners.

Advancing Equity through Federal Policy   

PCRG continues to advocate with federal legislators and regulators for policies that further affordable housing, invest in communities, and improve access to capital for LMI individuals and communities. This past year the Community Reinvestment Act (CRA) was modernized for the first time in over 30 years, Section 1071 of the Dodd Frank Act was finally implemented, and fair housing standards under the Biden Administration were expanded. Our team provided our member communities with the advocacy tools and guidance on the importance of these critical federal policies. We will continue to advocate for the advancement of neighborhood equity at the national level.